June 2013, we are packing our last bags before departing for the last time as residents of SouthKorea. This was the end and at the same time the beginning of our life in the tropics. Our four years on the Korean peninsula were amazing, full of adventures, both in and outside of Korea. We see it as a privilege that we have been allowed to experience living in such a progressive, yet, traditional country.
As said, it was the beginning of life in the tropics, and United World College Thailand in Phuket would be our next destination, after a quick annual summer refresher in The Netherlands.

Now, 5 years later, we are about to make our next move, though not without looking back with pride, positive sentiment and a well rooted love for Thailand as our host nation, the Thai friends and colleagues we have made and the incredible beauty of this well known tourist destination.
However, for us, this has not been a stop over on the world tour, a summer holiday or the long desired dive trip of a life time. This is the country and island that has given us an incredible amount of opportunity to live our lives the way we like it. These 5 years have offered us the perfect opportunity to meet like minded friends, live in a place we enjoyed raising our beach girls, and last but not least, it offered us a school that allowed us to reconnect with the UWC educational movement that we believe in so much.
With limited time left, the weekly Friday afternoon get-together's at Paul's on the beach with friends often bring out the topic of bucket list activities, "what do you want to do, before you leave?"
For us, that is simple, as we have lived our lives to the max and we have done everything we wanted. No regrets, no if's and no but's.
We will never forget how we enjoyed every second of life in the tropics. From the smells of a chicken on a stick on bbq's at 6am in the morning while you pass on your bicycle, to the crazy sounds and buzzing of motorbikes ..... everywhere and always in Phuket. From the most amazing sunsets, night after night to the thunderous sounds of a seasonal rain storm, crazy floods and lightning storms. From local and basic food life on white pristine beaches to flashy multiple star resorts with infinity pools and extensive breakfast buffets. From 28 degree's sea water, crystal clear and flat, perfectly created to observe the coral and underwater world to a nice rolling wave to surf down from after a hard day's work.
But above all, we will remember the wonderful people, with whom we have experienced such amazing places and moments. People we call friends!
We do not say goodbye, so we will stay in touch and will meet again, maybe here, maybe elsewhere. Thank you Thailand, thank you all!
Love it! have fun. miss you so much elke